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Caught a Summer Flounder Nearshore in Panama City
Summer Flounder Nearshore in Panama City, FL
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The Summer Flounder belongs to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. It typically measures between 15 and 37 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 5 lbs. - Habitat includes onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters. - Both eyes are located on the left side of the head. - They live on the seafloor, lying on their blind side facing upward. - Grayish-brown coloring with lighter spots provides excellent camouflage.
Fishing Charter by Captain Christopher Cromer in December
Meet your Captain Christopher Cromer
- Top-rated Panama City fishing charter
Summary
Captain Christopher Cromer of Pisces Fishing & Adventures on Friday November offers productive 6-hour nearshore fishing charters targeting summer flounder around Panama City's productive wreck structure. These shared trips depart at 7:00 AM and focus on bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing techniques that consistently produce results on offshore wrecks. The fall season provides excellent wreck fishing opportunities with calm Gulf waters and active feeding fish around structure. All rods, reels, bait, and licenses are included, making this an ideal choice for small groups and families looking to experience quality nearshore fishing. The crew provides hands-on assistance and local techniques for anglers of every skill level, ensuring productive fishing on these proven Gulf Coast waters.
Fishing Charter with Captain Christopher Cromer – Rates & Booking
Captain Christopher Cromer of Pisces Fishing & Adventures on Friday November runs productive 6-hour nearshore fishing trips departing at 7:00 AM from Panama City. These shared charters target summer flounder and other Gulf species around productive wreck structure, with all gear, bait, and licenses provided. The $350-450 per person rate includes expert guidance on bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing techniques that consistently produce results. Available Friday through Sunday with free cancellation up to 7 days in advance. Book online or call to reserve your spot on these action-packed nearshore adventures.
Highlights of 6HR NEARSHORE (SHARED)
These nearshore fishing trips focus on productive wreck fishing around Panama City's Gulf waters, where structure holds bait and attracts feeding summer flounder. The 6-hour duration provides ample time to work multiple spots using proven techniques like bottom fishing and drift fishing. Departing at dawn allows anglers to fish during prime feeding times when summer flounder are most active around the wrecks.
The shared charter format makes quality offshore fishing affordable for small crews while maintaining a personalized experience. Captain Cromer's local knowledge of wreck locations and seasonal patterns ensures productive fishing throughout the fall season when conditions are ideal for nearshore adventures.
Local Species Insights: Summer Flounder
Summer flounder thrive around Panama City's nearshore wrecks where they ambush prey from sandy bottoms adjacent to structure. These flatfish use their camouflaged coloring to blend with the seafloor, making them challenging but rewarding targets for wreck fishing. Fall months offer excellent summer flounder action as they feed heavily before winter migrations, with early morning trips producing the most consistent results around productive Gulf Coast structure.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your 6-hour nearshore adventure includes a fully equipped charter boat with all rods, reels, bait, and fishing licenses provided. The shared trip accommodates small groups and families, with Captain Cromer providing hands-on instruction for bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing techniques. Departing at 7:00 AM allows for prime fishing time around the wrecks, with the crew handling all rigging and fish cleaning. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinks for a comfortable day on the Gulf waters targeting summer flounder and other nearshore species.
Fishing in Panama City, FL: Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) are distinctive flatfish belonging to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. These remarkable fish have both eyes on the left side of their head, allowing them to lie flat on the seafloor while watching for prey above. In Panama City waters this November, summer flounder use their grayish-brown coloring with lighter spots to blend perfectly with sandy bottoms around wreck structure.
Summer Flounder Overview
Summer flounder are one of several "sand flounders" that live as bottom-dwellers throughout their adult lives. They're prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare, making them a popular target for nearshore fishing charters. These flatfish are ambush predators that rely on camouflage and quick strikes to capture prey.
Summer Flounder Habitat and Distribution
Summer flounder inhabit onshore, nearshore, and offshore waters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Around Panama City, they're commonly found on sandy bottoms near wreck structure where they can ambush baitfish and crustaceans. They prefer areas with good current flow that brings food while providing cover from the structure.
Summer Flounder Size and Weight
These flatfish typically range from 15 to 37 inches in length, with weights between 1 and 5 pounds for most catches. Larger specimens can exceed these ranges, with trophy summer flounder reaching impressive sizes in productive Gulf waters around established wreck sites.
Summer Flounder Diet and Behavior
Summer flounder are opportunistic predators that feed on small fish, shrimp, crabs, and marine worms. They bury themselves in sand or mud with only their eyes exposed, waiting to ambush passing prey. Early morning and late afternoon feeding periods provide the best fishing opportunities when they're most active.
Summer Flounder Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in offshore waters during fall and winter months, with adults migrating to deeper water for reproduction. During pre-spawn feeding periods, summer flounder become more aggressive and easier to target around nearshore structure as they build energy reserves.
Summer Flounder Fishing Techniques
Bottom fishing with live or cut bait works best for summer flounder around wreck structure. Popular baits include squid strips, minnows, and shrimp fished on sliding sinker rigs. Drift fishing allows anglers to cover more water while maintaining contact with the bottom. In November, anglers around Panama City find them concentrated near wrecks where current brings steady food sources.
Summer Flounder Is It Good to Eat?
Summer flounder are excellent table fare with mild, white, flaky meat that's low in fat and high in protein. They're versatile for cooking methods including baking, broiling, or pan-frying. The fillets are boneless and have a delicate flavor that appeals to most seafood lovers, making them a prized catch for dinner.
Summer Flounder Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for summer flounder?
A: Squid strips, live minnows, and fresh shrimp are top choices. Cut bait like mullet or pinfish also works well when fished on the bottom near structure.
Q: Where can I find summer flounder near Panama City?
A: Look for them around nearshore wrecks and artificial reefs where they ambush prey from sandy bottoms adjacent to structure.
Q: Is summer flounder good to eat?
A: Yes, summer flounder have mild, white, flaky meat that's excellent for most cooking methods and appeals to all seafood preferences.
Q: When is the best time to catch summer flounder?
A: Early morning and late afternoon provide peak feeding activity, with fall months offering excellent action before their offshore migration.
Q: What size hooks work best for summer flounder?
A: Use size 1/0 to 3/0 hooks depending on bait size, with circle hooks recommended for better hook-up rates and fish survival.
Q: How deep do summer flounder live?
A: They're found from shallow inshore waters to depths over 100 feet, with nearshore wrecks in 30-60 feet being prime habitat around Panama City.
More species you can explore on this trip
Pisces Fishing & Adventures Available Trips
Captain Christopher Cromer operates a well-equipped nearshore fishing vessel designed for productive wreck fishing around Panama City's Gulf waters. The boat features all necessary safety equipment and fishing gear for 6-hour shared charters, with comfortable seating and storage for small groups. Equipped with fish finders and GPS for locating productive wreck structure, the vessel handles Gulf conditions well while providing a stable platform for bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing techniques. All rods, reels, bait, and tackle are provided, along with a fish cleaning station for your summer flounder catch.
